Ice Age 4: Continential Drift is Good Choice for Grandkids

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift

By Christopher Gildemeister

Release Date: July 13, 2012

MPAA rating: PG for mild rude humor and action/peril

Starring: Voices of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Lopez

Recommended age: 7+

Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green

Manny and Ellie the mammoths, Sid the sloth, Diego the saber-toothed tiger, and the rest of the Ice Agefavorites return again to face peril – this time on the high seas. When the continents split apart, Manny, Diego, Sid, and Sid’s daffy Grandma are swept out to sea, where they must do battle with a crew of prehistoric animal pirates — among them Shira, a female saber-tooth who catches Diego’s eye. Back on the mainland, Ellie leads the rest of the animals to safety while also dealing with her teenage daughter Peaches’ desire for independence.

Ice Age 4 contains little content to concern parents. Some mild innuendo occurs, such as punning use of the word “booty” by the pirates. There is much madcap action, with the cartoon animals running, pouncing, and fighting, but none suffer serious harm,. There is also a heavy dose of slapstick comedy. There are a few gags about Grandma being unable to chew her food, whereupon Sid spits up pre-chewed food into his hand. There is also a gag involving “boogers.”

Language is one area of possible concern. In addition to phrases such as “I’m gonna puke” and “you’re a screw-up,” there are a few instances in which the characters say a word which resembles an actual profanity so closely it is difficult to tell the difference. For example, when attacked by a giant crab, Sid yells, “Holy crab!” but it sounds very much like “holy crap.” Similarly, characters say things that sound like “we’ll piss on your grave” and “that crazy bitch.” What was actually said is uncertain. Presumably the actors did not use foul language, but whatever they did say, it sounds sufficiently similar to warrant possible caution by parents.

There are several good messages in the film. In addition to the emphasis on the importance of family which has been a theme throughout all the Ice Age movies, during the course of Continental Drift the young Peaches abandons her old friend to hang out with the “cool kids,” learning a lesson about true friendship along the way. Shira learns a similar lesson, comparing her life with her pirate “family” (headed by an abusive orangutan “captain”) with the genuine love and concern for one another shown by Manny, Diego, and Sid.

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift is a fun-filled action-comedy sure to entertain children, and with many amusing moments for parents. The Parents Television Council does not recommend Ice Age 4 for children under age seven.